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Pittsfield NH News

December 17, 2008


 

Celebrating Birthdays are: December 17, Pam Clark, Jim Darrah; December 19, Peggy Brooks; December 20, Rich Hillsgrove; December 22, Al MacLellan; December 24, Jacob Robbins; December 25, Jeff Riel; December 26, Brigette Tibbetts, Christopher Ward; December 28, Hannah Marston, Karmen Bean, Sonya Butterworth; December 29, Jim Stapleton, Sis Butterworth.


A Very Happy Birthday To One and All.
 



Celebrating Anniversaries are: December 18, Fred and Elizabeth Hast; December 25, Jim and Martha Bryant.


Best Wishes.
 



To: Last year’s 2008 PMHS Seniors who ordered a yearbook,


Your Spring Yearbook Supplement has arrived. You may pick it up at the school front office during school hours, or arrange to pick it up after school hours with Mr. Moyer, 435-6701 x212.
 



The Pittsfield Police Association is looking for donations of free weights, dumbbells and other weight equipment in good condition to be used at the Pittsfield Police Station for the purposes of weight training. Please contact Officer John Webber at 435-7535 to make arrangements for pick up or drop off of equipment. The officers use the weight room in their time off and your donation would be “Helping to Make the Pittsfield Police a Stronger Department.”
 



When we have 3 inches of snow or more predicted, The Epsom/Chichester Lions will need to move the can trailer from  the Chichester Fire Station for the winter.  Please empty  all of your collected cans into the trailer as  soon as possible. We will return the trailer in the spring. Thank you for your  generosity!!
 



Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Worcester, Mass., has announced that Jennifer Sansom, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David W. Sansom of Pittsfield, a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering, was named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence during the Spring 2008 semester.
 


 

Pittsfield Area Senior Center
2008 Hospice LIGHTS of LIFE


Each year Hospice sponsors Lights of Life.  This holiday season the Senior Center has four Hospice Lights of Life burning in our four windows facing Broadway Street to honor of our beloved citizens lost over this past year.  So when you drive by our windows between now and December 31st consider that we have a light burning for your loved ones.


Wed., December 17
10:00 a.m. - Cribbage
10:00 a.m. - Practicing Culinary Arts!
 

Thurs., Dec. 18
10:00 a.m. - Bingo
 

Friday, December 19
11:00 a.m. - Holiday Party
11:0 a.m. - Yoga
 

Mon., Dec. 22
10:00 a.m. -  Bingo
 

Tues., Dec. 23
10:00 a.m. - Craft
 

Meals-on-Wheels and Congregate meal participants please call 435-8482 when you won’t be home to receive your meal or you won’t be at the Center.  If you don’t, we worry about you. Listen to WMUR TV on bad weather days for cancellations. Keep your Emergency Bags for the days when we have to cancel deliveries due to a storm or flood! If we won’t deliver, you will be called to be sure you are OK.


Daily participants:  The Senior Center does not necessarily close just because the schools close. We make every attempt to be open, even if we open late. The senior center is a warm dry place to spend a chilly day.  Listen to WMUR for cancellations only. Otherwise we are open.

 


 

School Lunch Menus
December 22-26, 2008


PMHS
Monday - Pizza, corn, fruit.
Tuesday - Pot Luck
Wednesday-Friday - No School
Happy Holidays!


EPSOM
Monday - Cheeseburger, rice, bread & butter, veg., fruit, milk or yogurt tray, no salad.
Tuesday - Egg cheese wraps, hash browns, fresh fruit, milk or yogurt tray, no salad.
Wednesday-Friday - No School
Have A Safe And Happy Holiday!

 


 

History Of The Red Door


by William Johnson
It would be difficult to walk or ride down Main St. in Pittsfield, NH without seeing the “carpenter gothic” or “board and batten” style building that is St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. The church was built in 1863 and is now on the National Registry of Historical Places. The interior of the church is built with American chestnut and would not likely be replaceable today.


But before going inside one must first pass through the red door. The color red was chosen for its historic symbolism. In the Anglican tradition red doors go back to the Middle Ages when the north, south, and east doors were painted red, symbolizing the blood of Christ.


The color indicated a sanctified place inside where anyone could come and be safe from danger. It signified a place of refuge or a safe haven. Today the red door confirms that St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is a welcoming church – all are welcome. Father Curtis Metzger says, “Come visit this charming and historical church. Service begins at 9:30 including Sunday school for the children.”

 


 

Pittsfield Middle High School Announces Poetry Out Loud Contest


WHAT: Pittsfield Middle High School announces a school contest for Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest.  The competition, presented in partnership with the New Hampshire State Council for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation, is part of a national program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance, and competition.  On December 17th, students representing each high school English class at Pittsfield Middle High School will participate in the Poetry Out Loud school contest at the PMHS Media Center.  The winner of this competition will advance to the regional Poetry Out Loud contest.  The New Hampshire state champion will advance to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals on April 28-29 in Washington, DC, where $50,000 dollars in scholarships and school prizes will be awarded.

 

WHO: Featured speakers and participants.

 

WHEN: December 17th at 4:30 PM

 

WHERE:  Pittsfield Middle High School Media Center

 

OTHER: Attendance at Pittsfield Middle High School Poetry Out Loud School Contest is free and open to the public, although seating is limited.  For further information, call Sheila Ward at (603)435-6701. 

 

CONTACT: Katie Loud at (603)435-6701 or (603)502-3221.
 


 

Local Student Invited to Travel, as a Student Ambassador, to Japan

 

Kellie Vien a 7th grade student at Pittsfield Middle High School has been nominated and accepted to travel, as a Student Ambassador, to Japan - Land of the Rising Sun in the summer of 2009.


During her travels to Japan, Kellie will visit Kyoto to learn the Japanese arts of calligraphy, tea ceremony etiquette and traditional dance, Miyaijim to explore the sacred ground known as “Shrine Island,” Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial, Gifu to witness the honored profession of fishing, Takayama to experience a Hida Folklore Village, Tokyo to explore the Asakusa Kannon Temple, and explore Mt. Fuji.


Kellie will also gain special insights on the history and architecture of feudal Japan, the blending of technology and traditional values, World War II history, and explore the traditional values of worship. Her trip will last 14 days.


This educational program developed by People to People allows children to learn about the cultural differences of the World. The People to People Program was founded by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 and the organization is dedicated to the mission of promoting world peace through increased understanding between the citizens of the world. Over the past five decades, eight U.S. presidents have served as honorary chairman of People to People International.


Kellie is very active in the community of Pittsfield. She is involved in the PMHS school band, and also in the school sports teams. She played soccer this fall and she is now involved in the basketball program. Kellie has played softball through PYBA for 9 years. She has also been involved with the Girl Scouts for the past 8 years. Last year, kellie earned her Bronze Award, the highest award a Junior Scout can earn. She is starting to work on her Silver Award this year. She has worked with younger troops for leadership experience and is currently planning to work with the Daisy Troop. Kellie also serves on the altar as an Altar Server at Our Lady  of Lourdes. She has been serving for the past 3 years.


Kellie will be holding various fundraising events over the next few months to raise her tuition of $6900.00 Her first fundraiser will be on December 20th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pittsfield Youth Workshop (PYW). She will be hosting a spaghetti dinner for all the last minute Christmas shoppers who need a break. Craft items will be available for last minute gifts. Tickets will be $10.00 for adults, $7.00 for children 5-18 and children 5 and under are free.


An account has been opened at Citizens Bank in Pittsfield for her. Any contributions personal, or company can be deposited in this account, number 3311369248 or sent to her at Kellie Vien-Land of the Rising Sun, 7 Berry Avenue, Pittsfield, NH 03263. For further information about the program, you can go to www.peopletopeople.com or may call 435-2463. All donations or contributions to Kellie will be acknowledged and very much appreciated in order to make this trip possible for her.

 


 

Giving Back To The Community Continues Even During Tough Economic Times


Pittsfield, NH - December 12, 2008 - During these tough times when many companies have had to lay off workers, Globe Manufacturing of Pittsfield has seen an opportunity to respond by helping the community. Globe has offered their employees a paid day to volunteer at:


Londonderry - Toys for Tots; Manchester - NH Food Bank; Penacook-Friends of Forgotten Children; Epsom-Epsom Manor; Concord - Salvation Army; Laconia - Salvation Army; Pittsfield - Fire Dept. Gifts.


There is also a large group of paid Globe employees who will be creating crafts for the Merrimack County Nursing Home.


“We felt compelled by these tough times,” says GEF Freese, Sr. VP of Production, “to help the community - our employees felt the same way.”


Globe will also be offering employees a chance to work at Concord-Capital Region Food Bank Gift Baskets, as well as delivering the crafts on 12/19 and 12/22.


Said company president, Don Welch “Out of our 323 employees, we have over 200 volunteers for these projects; our teams have done a very impressive job with the logistics. The response has been great.”

 


 

Letter To The Editor


Dear Neighbors and Friends,
I’m sure you got to see the picture of Ed Patterson on the December 3rd, front page of the Suncook Valley Sun at our Food Pantry. Thank you, 4-H.


I would like to ask the townspeople of Pittsfield to consider donating to our Food Pantry.


If you get nonperishables, they can be dropped off at the Town Hall. If you’re out doing your errands, maybe you could pick up an extra box of cereal, a can of fruit or powdered milk. One donated item from many will really impact our town.


We have one lady who brings in bananas, baby carrots, crackers and granola bars regularly.


Thank you so much for all that people already do.


With the sincerest gratitude,
Denise Patterson
Pittsfield, NH

 


 

Childfind Pittsfield


In an effort to comply with State and Federal Laws governing special education, to maintain eligibility for Federal Funding, to engage in sound long range planning and to provide evaluation and programming where appropriate, the District of Pittsfield is making a conscientious effort to identify any potentially disabled individuals residing within their jurisdiction.


Parents of children 0-21 years of age who suspect that a child may be educationally disabled, are invited to contact their local school special education programs and services. Areas to be screened will include hearing, vision, communication and motor functioning.


For further information, parents would contact their local school and ask to speak to one of the following: Tobi Chassie, Director; Lois Stevens, Coordinator; Pittsfield Elementary School, 435-8432; Pittsfield Middle High School, 435-6701.

 


 

Meet Animal Control Officer Anne Taylor of the Pittsfield Police Department

 

Animal Control Officer Anne Taylor has been on the job for more than five years. Taylor joined the Pittsfield Police Department because she likes the small town ambience and over the years has gotten to know many of the residents, as well as their animals. Taylor finds that in most cases citizens are very willing to work with her to address any animal issues that may come up.


ACO Taylor is engaged and has three wonderful children. She enjoys animals, music and reading. Taylor also works part time as a Cruelty Investigator for the NHSPCA and as a vet technician at Companion Animal Hospital. She would like to thank the Pittsfield community for their support over the years and strongly encourages everyone to spay and neuter their pets.


The Pittsfield Police Department is proud to have Animal Control Officer Anne Taylor on board.

 


 

Northway Bank’s “Give a Gift, Get a Gift” Fosters Community Spirit This Holiday Season


For the next two weeks through December 21st, Northway Bank is opening its eighteen banking centers and Commercial Loan Center in North Conway to accept donations of unwrapped toys to help make a difference in the lives of New Hampshire’s  children in need this holiday season.


In partnership with “Toys for Tots” and in association with a wide array of community agencies and businesses, including programs such as “Angels and Elves” in the Mount Washington Valley and the Plymouth Fire Department’s “Operation Santa,” the program is designed to help put the spotlight back on the true meaning of the holidays –giving. As Northway’s personal “Thank You” to community members who donate a toy to help make a local child’s holiday just a little brighter, “Give a Gift, Get a Gift” rewards their generosity with a coupon book featuring hundreds of deals from the bank’s business customers, offering everything from discounted coffee and clothing to holiday resort packages and special Northway banking services.


“Despite the continuing bad news about the economy, we feel that positive partnerships such as “Give a Gift, Get a Gift” can really make a difference this year,” said Richard D. Olson, Northway’s Senior Vice president of Consumer and Small Business Banking, “In fact, the program offers even more benefits: not only will donors potentially save thousands of dollars on over 250 products and services, but they will also be helping our economy by patronizing local businesses.  As a local bank with a proud community heritage, Northway is honored to join with these organizations during this most festive season.”


For more information about “Give a Gift, Get a Gift,” for directions to any of  our 19 donation center drop off points, or to learn more about any of the bank’s other community or business programs, call  1-800 -442-6666 or  for the visit www.northwaybank.com online.


Northway Bank has proudly been serving commercial and consumer customers as well as local municipalities throughout Central and Northern New Hampshire by providing a full range of deposit, investment and credit services for over 100 years.  With 18 full-service Banking Centers and a Commercial Lending Center, we are committed to supporting the communities where we live and work, both financially and by way of time donated by our employees. 

 


 

Letter To The Editor


On December 4th I received a copy of a letter while at a Planning Board meeting, written November 19 by Carl Anderson. This letter was to give his opinions regarding the proposed Zoning changes, the Planning Board is working on.


He states, “the purpose of Zoning is to guide the use of land according to its best and highest use, not find ways to promote business or protect other areas of town from competition.”


He goes on to say, “I’d like to see us “Mix It Up” more in our allowed uses and  give every business or venture a fair shake at consideration. I want a Pittsfield that is a blend and mix of everything that we’ve ever stood for. Not a cookie cutter town trying to be something we’re not.”


Thank you, Carl for writing that letter and reinforcing my thoughts. When I say we should have truck/heavy equipment repair allowed in all zones, all I hear is we don’t want eighteen wheelers on that road. I always thought roads were built for commerce. These friends of mine don’t see the big picture. I’ll see if I can get it right.


1. Our government is 53 trillion in long term debt if it keeps its promises. The dollar is being devalued long term.


2. We will soon learn what an environmental refugee is.


3. As our climate changes we will have more frequent and larger weather related events.
Pittsfield would be well served to have repair shops and other businesses throughout our community.


Dan Schroth

 


 

Letter

 

To The Citizens Of Pittsfield:
Thank you for allowing me to share some information with you. I have been in attendance at a few School Board Meetings and have walked away unhappy with some of the decisions made about spending my tax dollars. With the School District having a final fund balance of $200,000 left over from a 9.8 million dollar budget, the School Board decided to pay for: exterior painting ($7,000), replacement of classroom windows ($35,000), underfunded School Lunch Program ($55,000), Technology supplies ($39,000), fire alarms ($10,000), and the list goes on. The new proposed school budget will include an increase on your property taxes of .50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. With an unstable economy and many citizens struggling to keep their homes and feed their families this just does not seem right. The Select Board, fully aware of the citizen’s hardships, requested that all department heads present level funded budgets and that’s just what they did. Although raises were given to teachers in  hopes to reduce the turnover rate, many left leaving behind severed relationships with our children. The state grade averages are still not being met. The Pittsfield School Board feels that they  have offered an opportunity to strike a balance for both the students and the taxpayers with their new proposed budget. Unfortunately with yet another increase in my property taxes I believe they have struck out. 76 citizens voted for your property taxes to increase. Did you vote?


Thank you,
James Theodore
Pittsfield, NH

 


 

Letter


To The Citizens Of Pittsfield:
The Select Board is proud to announce Cara Marston as September’s Employee of the Month. Cara has been with our town for about seven years.


As the Town’s Administrative Assistant, Cara constantly tackles a variety of responsibilities. Cara possesses strong leadership qualities and has made the many employee transitional processes progress smoothly. “It’s not my job” is simply not in Cara’s vocabulary. She is prompt, dedicated, professional, and is team oriented. Cara’s warm smile and courteous greetings are what you are sure to receive whenever you enter into the Town Hall requesting information. Cara is attentive, patient and respectful of each and every citizen’s needs. Cara’s harmonic attitude calms even the most difficult and frustrating situations. Cara thrives under pressure and enjoys solving problems that arise. Cara works extremely well with others and demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills.


Cara is enthusiastically committed to her job and is inspiring to others. Cara challenges herself by setting high goals and strives incessantly to achieve them. We are fortunate to have Cara as an employee and we appreciate her dedication and service to our town.
Respectfully Submitted By


Denise Morin
Pittsfield, NH

 


 

Ruth H. Kimball 4-H Exhibit Hall Dedicated

 

 

Pictured with Ruth Kimball (center) are Deborah Cheever, Extension Educator and Nany Evans, Program Associate, 4-H Youth Development


A dedication ceremony was held at Hopkinton Fair naming the 4-H Exhibit Hall in honor of Ruth Kimball. Mrs. Kimball started the Victory Workers 4-H in Pittsfield in 1942 and is now in her 67th year as organizational leader. Her club annually has the largest display of exhibits and exhibitors at the fair. She has spear headed fundraising efforts for new 4-H buildings at the fair including the the 4-H Farm-A-Rama that replaced the old 4-H dormitory and the 4-H Log Cabin which today houses the 4-H Country Kitchen and Chicken Barbecue supporting 4-H members and leaders in helping them to expand their opportunities for learning and recognition. Mrs. Kimball has judged many fair events, is famous for her baked beans and potato salad lunches served to the fair judges and presents the Ruth Kimball Dairy Award to an outstanding senior dairy showman.


Deborah Nelson Curtis, President, Board of Hopkinton Fair Directors introduced and congratulated Mrs. Kimball.


Deborah Cheever, Merrimack County Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development told the large audience of 4-Hers and family about Mrs. Kimball’s many accomplishments including the 4-H Alumnae Award 1972, Pittsfield Citizen of the Year 1973, Merrimack County Governor’s Award for Volunteerism 1988, Farm Bureau Young Farmer’s Award 1989, The Granite State Award from the University of New Hampshire 1992, the JC Penney Golden Rule Award 1999, National 4-H Hall of Fame 2002, and most recently, the prestigious Friend of 4-H Foundation of NH Award. Also, in 1990, the Ruth Kimball Endowment Fund of the 4-H Foundation of NH was established as a lasting legacy to Ruth’s dedication to the 4-H Program. As Herman Melville’s quote states “We cannot live only for ourselves, a thousand fibers connect us with our fellowmen and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads our actions run as causes and they come back to us as effects.” This legacy will keep perpetuating funds to support leader training and recognition, provide support for 4-H member programs at the state and national levels and provide ongoing support for 4-H development.


Mrs. Cheever went on to say, “when I think of a volunteer who has supported and been dedicated to the 4-H program here at the fair and in the county and state, Ruth Kimball is at the top of the list as a strong pillar of constant, consistent commitment. Today, as we dedicate this building it is a fitting tribute to Ruth and all that she has given to 4-H and all that she stands for. To many, young or old she is fondly known as “Gram” but certainly to all of us she stands for the true spirit of 4-H. She exemplifies volunteerism at its very best with her “I’d be glad to” attitude.”

 


 

 

Congratulations to Paul and Lucia Metcalf who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on November 21, 2008. There was a family celebration on November 23, 2008. Paul and Lucia were very pleased with over 20 family members attending. Special guests were Ron and Judy Ainslie from Scituate, Mass. The Ainslies were celebrating their 51st anniversary.

 


Obituaries


 

David L. Adams Sr.
 

Peaks Island, Maine - David L. Adams Sr., was  born in Gardiner, ME, on Nov. 28, 1939, the son of the late George Adams, and Rachel Adams passed on as a result of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis on December 13th, 2008.


He leaves his loving wife Jane;  three children, Debbie Heckman of Derry NH; granddaughter Sadie Mae, friend, James Russo, Nick and Becky; David L. Adams Jr. of Portland, ME, his wife Pamela Jane; and granddaughter, Bridget;  Brian E. Adams of Medway, MA, and his companion, David J. Blackwell.


David always kept himself busy with volunteering for different community groups.  In his spare time he enjoyed clock repair.


No flowers please at his request.


Burial in the Trefethen Cemetery will be held in the spring.


Donations can be sent in his memory to the 5th Maine-Trefethen Cemetery Fund c/o Kim MacIsaac, P.O. Box 41, Peaks Island, ME  04108 or the Peaks Island Fuel/Tax Assistance Program, P.O. Box 126, Peaks Island, ME  04108.

 


 
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